North Parramatta

An assessment of population growth drivers in North Parramatta reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of North Parramatta is around 12,667. This reflects an increase of 603 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,064. The current resident population estimate of 12,618 by AreaSearch is based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 49 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,403 persons per square kilometer, placing North Parramatta in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 5.0% growth since census is within 2.8 percentage points of the state (7.8%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in North Parramatta's population.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, North Parramatta is forecasted to increase by 4,133 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 31.1% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in North Parramatta, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

North Parramatta has had approximately 30 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 154 homes. In FY26 so far, there have been 30 approvals. The population decline in recent years has not significantly impacted development activity relative to other areas. The average construction cost value for new homes is $546,000, indicating a focus on premium properties.

Commercial development approvals this year amount to $95.4 million, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, North Parramatta has lower building activity, which typically supports demand and pricing for existing homes. The area's established nature is further indicated by its activity being below the national average. New building activity consists of 30% standalone homes and 70% medium and high-density housing, catering to various buyer types. With around 346 people per approval, North Parramatta suggests a mature market. By 2041, AreaSearch projects an addition of 3,942 residents.

If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying competition among buyers and supporting price increases.

North Parramatta has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

A total of 56 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area, with key initiatives including Cosmopolitan by Deicorp in Parramatta, Riverside Theatres Redevelopment, Parramatta North Health and Innovation Precinct (Stage 1), and Parramatta North Urban Renewal Precinct. The following list details those projects likely to have the most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in North Parramatta has been broadly consistent with national averages

North Parramatta has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 3.9% as of an unspecified date. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.7%.

As of September 2025, 7,813 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, 0.3% below Greater Sydney's rate. Workforce participation was 76.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. Census responses indicated that 50.4% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical sectors.

The area has a particularly strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Construction employment was lower at 6.6% compared to the regional average of 8.6%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.7%, labour force grew by 3.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In Greater Sydney, employment grew by 2.1%, labour force expanded by 2.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to North Parramatta's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, North Parramatta had a median income among taxpayers of $51,496. The average income was $63,619. This is lower than the national average and compares to levels of $60,817 and $83,003 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since June 30, 2023, current estimates would be approximately $56,059 (median) and $69,256 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, personal income ranks at the 63rd percentile ($874 weekly), while household income sits at the 47th percentile. Looking at income distribution, 33.1% of the population (4,192 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 43rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

North Parramatta features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

North Parramatta's dwelling structure in the latest Census comprised 24.3% houses and 75.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in North Parramatta was at 17.7%, with the remainder either mortgaged (26.5%) or rented (55.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,054, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent was $390, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, North Parramatta's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

North Parramatta features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 61.4% of all households, including 28.2% couples with children, 20.2% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 38.6%, with lone person households at 33.5% and group households making up 5.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

North Parramatta demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

North Parramatta's educational attainment exceeds national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 43.6% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 27.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent with 26.4%, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (14.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.8% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (9.5%), secondary (7.1%), and tertiary (6.9%).

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

North Parramatta has 90 active public transport stops, offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 59 individual routes, collectively providing 8683 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 99 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode at 68%, while train accounts for 12% and bus for 10%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 50.4% of residents work from home, potentially reflecting COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1240 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 96 weekly trips per stop.

North Parramatta's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

North Parramatta's health data shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health conditions are low in prevalence among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages.

Private health cover is held by approximately 52% of North Parramatta's total population (~6,600 people), slightly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 59.9%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions in the area, affecting 7.8 and 6.3% of residents respectively. Around 73.4% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Health outcomes for those under 65 are better than average. The area has 15.3% (1,938 people) of residents aged 65 and over, with health outcomes among seniors presenting some challenges but ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

North Parramatta is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

North Parramatta has a high level of cultural diversity, with 49.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 49.5% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in North Parramatta, comprising 49.9% of people. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 10.1% of North Parramatta's population versus 5.2% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups are Other at 21.1%, English at 14.1%, and Australian at 13.9%. Notably, Lebanese (5.9%), Korean (2.1%), and Indian (8.1%) ethnic groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 2.6%, 1.1%, and 3.6% respectively.

North Parramatta's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in North Parramatta is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The 35-44 age cohort is notably over-represented in North Parramatta at 17.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's average. Meanwhile, the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 9.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 65-74 age group has grown from 7.5% to 9.1% of the population. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 11.4% to 9.8%, and the 35-44 age group has dropped from 19.1% to 17.8%. Population forecasts for North Parramatta indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. Notably, the 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 106%, reaching 1,174 people from 570.